Strachan’s been bombarded with stats about Spain, Brazil, and 5ft 4in Archie Gemmill’s Trainspotting sex-tape goal to disprove his theory, but this height inferiority complex is one he’s held for decades.

After Eric Cantona’s ­infamous 1995 press ­conference, he said: “If a Frenchman goes on about seagulls, trawlers and sardines, he’s called a philosopher. I’d just be called a short Scottish bum talking c**p.”

The reason for Fulham's relegation, apparently (Image: Getty)

Plus, his wasn’t the most ignorant foray by a coach into biological science during this international break.

That prize goes to Roy Keane for dismissing Kevin Doyle's retirement from the game, following bouts of ­concussion, with the words: “If you’re worried about the physical side of sport, then play chess.”

Keane has always got off on showing contempt for those he deems physically or mentally weaker than him, even when it exposes his own hypocrisy.

Former Irish international Doyle has ended his career for medical reasons (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

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He’s attacked Everton for withdrawing ­injured players from Ireland squads, ­despite being called “callous” by Trinidad & Tobago for pulling his then-Sunderland striker Dwight Yorke out of a game the man wanted to play in.

He slammed Celtic for “celebrating like they’d won the bloody thing”, after qualifying for the Champions League group stages, only to hug and leap for joy on Monday when ­Ireland made the play-offs for a place in next summer's World Cup.

But this cack-handed entry into a serious debate is plain cruel as families of sick, ­retired players are fighting an uphill struggle to prove a link between heading footballs and dementia.

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Many ex-pros, such as Andy Gray and Ian St John, ­campaign on the issue. Others keep their silence, waiting for more research.

Keane just bulldozes in, not caring who he upsets.

Not caring that ­experts across America and Europe see growing evidence of degenerative brain disease linked to certain sports. Not caring that he plays into the hands of the deniers, the anti-PC Gone Mad ­Brigade, or bodies like the FA and PFA who drag their feet.

Following Keane’s macho belittling of Doyle’s retirement, Eamon Dunphy ­described the man whose book he once ghosted as “a cabaret act. A parody of the great player and leader that he was. He’s just about cheap shots and easy headlines.”